'The Voice' live shows delayed until later in year

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 2mo

ITV confirms that the live conclusion to this series of The Voice will now take place later in the year amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

ITV have confirmed that the live semi-final and final of The Voice have been delayed until "later in the year" due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The singing competition was due to go live for the first time this series on March 28 but with new social distancing measures being recommended by the UK government, ITV have decided to postpone the conclusion of the series.

The live stages of spring stalwart Britain's Got Talent - normally broadcast during May - are now also under threat.

"The Voice UK knockouts, which are pre-recorded, will continue to be broadcast this weekend and the Britain's Got Talent audition shows are due to be broadcast in the next few weeks as planned," said Kevin Lygo, ITV's director of television.

"We have, however, taken the difficult decision to postpone until later this year The Voice UK's live semi final and final, which were due on air on the 28th March and 4th April, and are working to replace them in the schedule with some bespoke Voice specials.

"We are also working with our production colleagues to see how we can make the BGT live shows work in an ever changing situation and we will update on this in due course."

Separately, ITV has confirmed that the remaining episodes of Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead without a live studio audience.